Happy Anniversary, Larry and Staci!

Day 7 of the Month of Love -- Happy 19th Anniversary, Larry Wallace & Staci Wallace​
Of course Day 7 of the Love Month would be the celebration of my kids' 19th wedding anniversary. I'm thanking God for them today! 19 years ago we had a wedding celebration of epic proportion. Larry & Staci Wallace were married in a Winter Wonderland (Staci’s dream from a little girl), with carolers singing, amid spruce & fir trees, street lanterns, bridesmaids carrying muffs, cotton batting snow all down the aisle and stage, and a castle in the background that conveyed their hearts that “dreams do come true”. Indeed all the planning and preparations had come together for an amazing production (literally). The only thing remaining, which we had no control over…..but God did, was for there to be REAL snow outside. And, indeed it did snow – just another confirmation of this match made in heaven. Yes, it was a winter wonderland, inside and out.

The pre-service began with carolers in scarves and mittens, singing and leading the congregation in triumphant praise and worship songs. Sharon Daugherty sang "Somewhere It's Snowing", and recorded music of Englebert Humperdinck singing "Winter World of Love" ushered in the candelighters and grandparents.

Larry and Staci had prerecorded a message telling the story of how they met (in a gym) and fell in love. It was hilarious -- to say the least -- especially since Staci had vowed to be the next Mother Teresa. Staci had written and recorded a song called "Jesus is the Reason" that was played while the wedding party entered. The song explained the signficance of how their friendship grew to love and that love was wrapped in purity and unity. Escorted by her proud and loving Daddy, Staci came down the aisle to Natalie Cole singing, "Unforgettable". She was an unforgettable sight to be sure, wearing a glimmering hooded cape over her gorgeous wedding gown, which of itself, was a blessing and dream-come-true. I remember the day we were "dress-looking" and when we saw THE ONE, with a dream-come-true price tag on it, we knew God's faithfulness -- even in the details.

My dear husband, Ron (Staci's Daddy) was so thrilled to speak the Father's blessing over their beautiful union and two pastors, Billy Joe Daugherty and Carlton Pearson, officiated the wedding. Pastor Carlton with his light-hearted sense of humor and Pastor Billy Joe's gift of evangelism that gave the people attending an opportunity to receive Jesus as their personal Savior, made for the perfect "God sent" ceremony. Later Staci and Larry both said the best part of their wedding was knowing that "their day" was about the birth-day of so many who attended who committted their lives to Christ.

Staci seranaded Larry as she sung "I Believe in You and Me". They both shed tears as the words of the song described the way they felt about each other.

Staci and Larry had refrained from kissing until their wedding day because of a covenant Larry made with God five months prior. So needless to say, when the moment came..."Now you may kiss your Bride", the congregation cheered with excitement -- not to mention the two of them, with no holds barred....locked in the biggest and longest KISS ever! LOL! After their wedding, and for many months and years following, they were asked to come to churches and organizations across the country -- where they shared their "purity" love story. Thankfully, their wedding, and the marriage they have to today, has continued to touch young people and old, with the sanctity and beauty of a marriage founded and based on God's love being the #1 priority in their lives.

Larry and Staci, I'm celebrating your lives, your love and all that you have meant to me and the shining light you have been so to so many others. Thank you for the gifts of your love -- my Payton Wallace​ & Alexia Wallace​ who are following in your footsteps in their love for Christ and His church. And, thank you for being such beautiful examples of all God gives when He is our FIRST priority! Love you both so much! Happy Anniversary!

Somewhere It's Snowing

Day 59 of Photo Inspirations -- Somewhere It's Snowing!
These snowy days have certainly made way for hilarious one-liners and photos on FB.  I joined the crowd and added a couple of my own.

But, it wasn't so hilarious for my friends who were helping their kids move yesterday. The moving van was scheduled and they had no recourse.  It seems pretty weak to say "I prayed for them"  as I stayed homebound in my cozies -- all toasty and warm.   And then there's those folks who live where it is not just a temporary, few-day snow experience, but it continues to pile up and stay for 5 to 6 months.  That's my precious family in Winnipeg, MB Canada where it gets to 40 below, in addition to the snow.  Whew -- should we really get annoyed at a few days here in balmy Oklahoma?  Get out your flip flops and shorts -- it could be here this week-- LOL!

I know there are those of who would like to throw snowballs at me for saying this, but honestly, I've loved the snow this year. There's just something so peaceful and calming about watching it fall so gently to the ground.   Fact is, I know July and August will be here before we know it so I'm embracing every minute.

And, it causes me to recall a beautiful song, "Somewhere It's Snowing" written by a dear friend, Stephanie Boosahda.  I've been humming it throughout this day. It was also a song sung by another dear friend, Sharon Daugherty, at my daughter's "Winter Wonderland" Wedding.

I just thought today, it's time turn those "funnies" into a different picture and give a new perspective.  This song talks about God's amazing grace as He forgives us and makes us white as snow.   Following are the lyrics -- but, please, as you read,  click on this link so you can hear Stephanie sing it with her beautiful, God-given voice. promise you -- it will bless you.   Perhaps, if needed, you can go to the SNOW-GIVER and ask Him for a good snow cover today to your heart and soul.

 http://stephanieboosahda.bandcamp.com/track/7-somewhere-its-snowing

I once read in a poem, when snow covers the earth,
That it hides the worlds scars, and gives nature new birth,
And they say when a man turns from sin to the Lord,
That forgiveness, like snow, covers him evermore!

And somewhere it’s snowing –  see the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender to the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus that now covers our sin,
In the kingdom of Heaven, it’s snowing, again.

And its told that the angels lift their hearts and rejoice,
When one traveler turns homeward from his way, to the Lord.
If somewhere someone’s turning, he’s giving his all,
Then God’s grace, like the snow, is beginning to fall!

And somewhere it’s snowing – see the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender to the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus, that now covers our sin,
In the kingdom of Heaven, it’s snowing, again.

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;"  Isaiah 1:18
#SomewhereItsSnowing #AmazingGrace #StephanieBoohsahda

Winter Wonderland in Tulsa

Day 48 of Photo Inspiration -- Winter Wonderland in Tulsa
I remember these days, as a kid -- so thankful for a snow day when schools were closed.  But, today, t I know the kids are probably thinking "Of all days for it to snow, when schools were already closed because it's President's Day!  So, Happy Snow Day and Happy President's Day, everyone!

I knew these photos of what I awoke to would be my photo inspirations for today.  I bundled up to capture this snowy day in February -- AFTER some record warm temperatures this winter.  Golf clubs replaced parkas as the outdoor accessory of choice and Oklahoma’s kids have only dreamed  of missed school days filled with sledding and snowball fights. The mildness of this winter – the 11th warmest on record at nearly 3 degrees above normal – stands in stark contrast to the cold, snowy experiences of previous years.  

I'm reminded of my science classes where we learned that many billions of snowflakes drift down to the Earth's surface in the course of a winter, yet no two snowflakes are alike.  AMAZING!

And, as amazing as "no two snowflakes alike" -- there are currently seven billion people alive today and not one of us have an identical finger print.  God had His reasons. I am certain God designed every part of our bodies for a purpose.  As the Psalmist puts it:  "Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God – you’re breathtaking!  Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something” (Psalm 139: 13-15, The Message Bible).

So on this snowy, President's Day, I think I'll just bask in the all-knowing, all-seeing, omnipotent, AWESOME God who planned this day from the beginning of time.....and perhaps, even had me in mind -- "I think I'll inspire my girl, Donna, on February 16, 2015, with the revelation of My creativity and My forethought, and My wisdom to know that I ONLY make ORIGINALS -- One-of-a-Kind -- No two alike -- and each one of them are my MASTERPIECES!  I know she'll share that, and she'll also share....I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THOSE MASTERPIECES with my everlasting, unending love."